N Potential Trading Partners for Taylor Hall

Posted On Jan 4, 2020 By admin With Comments Off

Taylor Hall’s daytimes are numbered in New Jersey. His time is coming to an intent there. A commerce may not be imminent hitherto, but he’ll surely be moved by the Feb. 24 deadline.

Ray Shero, the Devils’ general manager, is already fielding proposals and determining world markets for the NHL’s most valuable player from two seasons ago( 2018) and the first overall sketch select from 2010. Hall is one of the best left-wingers in the game, so he will garner interest from half the league — upwards of 15 units, if not more — in varying degrees.

Hall is a pending free agent following this season and, by all reports, he wants to play for a contender going forward. Some squads may look to acquire him simply as a rental, but other units might be willing to pay a payment if they can negotiate an extension now — like Mark Stone did with Vegas in a sign-and-trade scenario — or “if youre having” the cover opening to lock him up long term in the summer.

Hall is making$ 6 million this season, but he’ll be demanding more than$ 8 million and perhaps over $10 million for the next five to seven year — and he will get paid on the open market, if not sooner.

Taylor Hall has a Hart Trophy to his identify and that will translate to more fund in the bank.( Brian Babineau/ NHLI via Getty Images)

That fit will be key from Hall’s perspective and New Jersey will want to maximize this return. There could very well has become a entreat struggle brewing for his services — for the rest of this season and for the future — with Hall and his agent getting some say in where he goes despite not having any craft or advance riders in his current contract.

The return is likely to feature a first-round draft pick and at least one top potential — preferably a defenceman or goaltender, based on New Jersey’s needs. The Devils will presumably be willing to take back salary and expiring contracts to oblige the money work, stipulating it improves that carton of futures.

As mentioned, as numerous as 15 squads could be in the mix — including Dallas, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Nashville and San Jose, among others — but here are nine potential trading collaborators, listed in order of likelihood. Nine for the No. 9 on Hall’s jersey.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs are tending up, projected to be a powerhouse for the next few years and Hall could apply them over the top as a legitimate hopeful for this season.

Hall’s addition would ensure a second waving of criminal offences behind one of the league’s elite routes — Nathan MacKinnon between Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog. Hall could edge Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky on the second line, while still getting top power-play time as the fourth forward with Cale Makar as the lone defenceman. Hall is a driver, so that recognize in the lineup probably are most effective for him, but Jared Bednar could experiment with Hall on MacKinnon’s wing, bumping Landeskog down with Kadri.

New Jersey will undoubtedly ask for Bowen Byram, the fourth overall pick and transcend apology prospect from the 2019 enlist. Colorado won’t part with Byram unless Hall is a long-term fit with a new contract in place — similar to Ottawa getting Erik Brannstrom as the prized resource for Stone. Colorado has lots of cap space for Hall, so that isn’t a concern and New Jersey wouldn’t inevitably have to take back any roster players.

Bowen Byram Avalanche Draft Bowen Byram would be a steep price to pay, but including him would realize the Avs a frontrunner for Hall.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Scribe)

Counting Byram, the Devils could begrudge as numerous as 15 resources from the Avs: 2020 first-round pick( not lottery protected) and 2021 first-round pick( conditional on Hall re-signing ); fellow excuse prospects Conor Timmins( next-best to Byram, 2017 second-rounder, 32 nd overall ), Drew Helleson( 2019 second-rounder, 47 th overall, Jack Hughes teammate last-place season ), and Nicky Leivermann( 2017 seventh-rounder, same to Jeremy Davies, sold to Nashville in the P.K. Subban deal ); goaltending potential Justus Annunen( 2018 third-rounder, 64 th overall, Finland’s projected starter for World Juniors ); forward prospects Alex Newhook( 2019 first-rounder, 16 th overall ), Martin Kaut( 2018 first-rounder, 16 th overall ), Shane Bowers( 2017 first-rounder, 28 th overall ), and Sampo Ranta( 2018 third-rounder, 78 th overall, riser in redraft ); listing forwards Tyson Jost( 2016 first-rounder, 10 th overall ), J.T. Compher( 2013 second-rounder, 35 th overall ), and Vladislav Kamenev( 2014 second-rounder, 42 nd overall ), plus recently echoed defenceman Calle Rosen( 25 years old, NHL-ready, AHL standout ).

That is a lot to like for New Jersey. If Hall is willing to commit long term to Colorado, it’s hard to see a lot not going done between the Monsters and Avs — with or without Byram being involved. With Byram, it is unable to be a 1-for-1 barter. Without Byram, the Devils could expect and command as many as four resources in return for Hall.

Montreal Canadiens

The Habs have a couple coveted assets in Jack Hughes’ onetime wingman Cole Caufield( 2019 first-rounder, 15 th overall) and budding goaltending prospect Cayden Primeau( 2017 seventh-rounder ), who seemed to get a showcase start on Thursday( 3-2 loss to Colorado, with 32 saves ). Ryan Poehling (2017 first-rounder, 25 th overall) is probably third on the index of targets from Montreal, but the Canadiens have tons of other expectations, selects and young roster musicians to dangle for the Devils. So if not Colorado, Montreal makes a lot of feel as a admirer for Hall and for New Jersey.

Cole Caufield Canadiens Draft Cole Caufield is a scoring winger and could web more objectives in the NHL than Hall.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Novelist)

Montreal is being encouraged to reach the playoffs this season , not wanting to trash another primary time of Carey Price and Shea Weber. Marc Bergevin’s profession as general manager could be at stake with another playoff miss, so he might be willing to go all-in on Hall. The Canadiens will be getting Jonathan Drouin back from trauma in January and getting Hall in February, if not sooner, would accommodate a big boost to their offence and too to their playoff chances.

But at what overhead? If not Caufield, would the Canadiens part with both Primeau and Poehling in the same package if that is the is asking to see New Jersey? Montreal is hosting the 2020 drawing, so they may be reluctant to move that first-rounder — especially if they aren’t in a playoff plight and the Ogre don’t agree to lottery protection. Imagine the Devils selecting Alexis Lafreniere first overall in Montreal . . . with Montreal’s pick. Yikes. Therefore, the Canadiens would rather trade their 2021 first-rounder, but they do have two second-rounders in 2020 as possible sweetener to any package.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s name could penetrate these discussions, but the third overall picking from 2018 isn’t what New Jersey needs — previously having Hughes, Nico Hischier and Pavel Zacha as first-rounders down the middle-of-the-road. Nick Suzuki( 2017 first-rounder, 13 th overall) won’t be offered up since he’s already playing a top-nine role as a rookie for Montreal and they would rather not subtract from the current roster in order to add Hall.

The exclusions might be Victor Mete( 2016 fourth-rounder, 100th overall) and Cale Fleury( 2017 third-rounder, 87 th overall) on explanation if the Devils prefer them over potentials Noah Juulsen( 2015 first-rounder, 26 th overall), Josh Brook( 2017 second-rounder, 56 th overall ), Alexander Romanov( 2018 second-rounder, 38 th overall ), Jordan Harris( 2018 third-rounder, 71 st overall), Jayden Struble( 2019 second-rounder, 46 th overall ), and Mattias Norlinder( 2019 third-rounder, 64 th overall ). All quality alternatives at the position New Jersey needs most.

Alexander Romanov Team Russia If Montreal doesn’t want to move Cole Caufield, Cayden Primeau, Ryan Poehling, Jesperi Kotkaniemi or Nick Suzuki, then Alexander Romanov becomes a primary target for New Jersey as a defenceman with top-pairing potential.( Rich Lam/ Getty Images)

There are no shortage of intriguing prospects in Montreal’s system, including forwards Jesse Ylonen( 2018 second-rounder, 35 th overall ), Jacob Olofsson( 2018 second-rounder, 56 th overall ), Joni Ikonen( 2017 second-rounder, 58th overall ), and Rhett Pitlick( 2019 fifth-rounder with high ceiling ).

If Montreal wants to ditch a contract or two in this deal, New Jersey could take back any of Michael McCarron, Charles Hudon, Jake Evans, Lukas Vejdemo, Riley Barber, Mike Reilly, Michael McNiven and Charlie Lindgren, but they don’t carry much importance — at least not in comparison to the aforementioned assets.

Regardless, it’s easy to see why numerous consider Montreal amongst the frontrunners for Hall.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are more of a sleeper in the Hall sweepstakes, but we are able to make it happen.

Buffalo isn’t a hot spot for free agents, but Jeff Skinner remained around in bide close to home in Ontario, with Hall likewise heralding from there. Hall was complimentary of Ralph Krueger’s coaching style before New Jersey’s game in Buffalo on Monday — a 7-1 triumph for the Sabres to further sell Hall on their possible. A pairing of Hall and Skinner as second-line wingers would stir Buffalo that much better, peculiarly if Jason Botterill can property that elusive centre in another trade.

Buffalo Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger Ralph Krueger could play a key role in recruiting Hall to Buffalo.( AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Like Montreal, there is a fair bit of pressure for Buffalo to manufacture the playoffs as far as Botterill’s job security departs. So he’ll likely be buying and Hall is the biggest fish. Buffalo has spate of prospects and probably wouldn’t hesitate to pay with collects — be it their 2020 first-rounder (not raffle protected) and/ or 2021 first-rounder( provisional on Hall re-signing).

There are also some family ties between Buffalo and New Jersey involving forward Tage Thompson( 2016 first-rounder, 26 th overall ), with the Savages drafting his younger brother Tyce as a 2019 fourth-rounder( 96 th overall), and defenceman Casey Fitzgerald( 2016 third-rounder, 86 th overall ), whose leader Tom is the Devils’ assistant GM. Thompson and Fitzgerald wouldn’t be centrepieces in any pack, but Shero could demand them included.

If it’s defence that the Ogre want, perhaps a hockey busines can be built around Hall for Rasmus Ristolainen, who has two more years remaining on his contract at a ceiling knock of $5.4 million. It is no secret that Ristolainen is available and has been patronized, but New Jersey is an investment heavily in their analytics department and Ristolainen’s underlying counts leave a lot to be hoped. The Devils are fairly set on the right side at the NHL level — P.K. Subban, Sami Vatanen and Damon Severson, with Reilly Walsh on the way — so Ristolainen might not be on their radar. Even if he was, the Sabres would have to add another asset or two. It wouldn’t be a 1-for-1 swap.

Now, if Dylan Cozens( 2019 first-rounder, seventh overall) and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen( 2017 second-rounder, 54 th overall) are in play, those deals could be closer to 1-for-1 but would likely be dependent on a Hall extension as part of the swap. It “wouldve been” much the same for Casey Mittelstadt (2017 first-rounder, eighth overall ), but he’s another centre and therefore not at the top of New Jersey’s directory. Cozens projects as more of a winger when he turns pro, even though he’s playing centre in junior, so he might be more enticing than Mittelstadt and his cost might be higher in the present.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Team Finland Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen backstopped Finland to gold at the 2019 World Juniors.( Kevin Hoffman/ Getty Images)

Failing that, assuming those three are off limits and that Hall isn’t willing to commit to Buffalo long term prior to playing there for the pull raced of this season, there is still potential for a deal with the Sabres. Buffalo has a handful of promising explanation potentials, including NHL-ready Lawrence Pilut, who is turning 24 this month, plus Mattias Samuelsson (2018 second-rounder, 32 nd overall ), Ryan Johnson( 2019 first-rounder, 31 st overall), Oskari Laaksonen( 2017 third-rounder, 89 th overall ), Jacob Bryson( 2017 fourth-rounder, 99 th overall ), and Will Borgen( 2015 fourth-rounder, 92 nd overall) in addition to Fitzgerald.

Buffalo wanted to go New Jersey to take back a defenceman or two with expiring contracts to offset Hall’s salary and abide detonator compliant — be it Zach Bogosian ($ 5.14 million) or Marco Scandella ($ 4 million ), plus Casey Nelson ($ 812,500) or John Gilmour ($ 700,000 ). Those four are all pending free agent, but if New Jersey elevates a veteran with word, there is Colin Miller, who has two more years at $3.875 million and has had good advanced stats throughout his profession, or Jake McCabe, who is signed through next season at $2.75 million. Buffalo wouldn’t be opposed to moving any of those six blueliners as part of the package for Hall — seven weighing Ristolainen.

If Luukkonen isn’t available — he’s viewed as Buffalo’s goaltender of the future — then 6-foot-6 Erik Portillo( 2019 third-rounder, 67 th overall) could interest New Jersey and has been making a positive intuition in the USHL during his firstly season in North America.

Buffalo also has some lesser forward prospects, including NHL call-up Rasmus Asplund( 2016 second-rounder, 33 rd overall ), Marcus Davidsson( 2017 second-rounder, 37 th overall ), Arttu Ruotsalainen( Finnish free-agent signing ), Matej Pekar( 2018 fourth-rounder, 94 th overall ), and Aaron Huglen( 2019 fourth-rounder, 102 nd overall ), among others.

Buffalo could improve several acceptable boxes for New Jersey, though not quite on the same level as Colorado and Montreal in terms of specifically coveted prospects.

St. Louis Blues

The defending champion Blues is likely to be the next highest bidder and have a need for Hall with Vladimir Tarasenko uncertain to return from injury this season. Hall would probably be a rental for St. Louis, usurping Doug Armstrong is still prioritizing captain Alex Pietrangelo as a free agent.

The loss of Vladimir Tarasenko has left a void for St. Louis that Hall could potentially fill as a play-driving winger and offensive catalyst.( Adam Glanzman/ Getty Images)

Jordan Binnington has proven himself this season, obligating Jake Allen expendable as a potential begin goaltender for New Jersey next season. Binnington and Allen have been a terrific tandem this season, with Allen returning to form, but Binnington is going to be the chap there come playoffs again. Allen is signed through next season at $4.35 million. Ville Husso is also ricochet back in the AHL and still has decent upside, turning 25 in February and probably being NHL ready for next season. He’ll be a restricted free agent this summer. Joel Hofer, who has grown to 6-foot-5, is a quality goaltending expectation in the WHL and could stimulate Canada’s world-wide junior team.

On defence, Scott Perunovich( 2018 second-rounder, 45 th overall) could be the next Adam Fox or Shayne Gostisbehere — that type of offensive catalyst from the back end. Jake Walman( 2014 third-rounder, 82 nd overall) is coming on strong in the AHL and could be NHL ready for next season; Mitch Reinke has been a revelation in the AHL as a college free-agent indicating and could also step title in for New Jersey; Niko Mikkola, registered at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, is looking very solid as a 2015 fifth-rounder and isn’t far away from contributing; and Tyler Tucker is also trending well in the OHL as a 2018 seventh-rounder.

The Blues’ best forward expectations are Jordan Kyrou( 2016 second-rounder, 35 th overall) and Klim Kostin( 2017 first-rounder, 31 st overall), who are both NHL ready and could make an immediate impact for the Devils. New Jersey might also be interested in Alexei Toropchenko( 2017 fourth-rounder, 113 th overall ), Nikita Alexandrov( 2019 second-rounder, 62 nd overall), and Nolan Stevens( 2016 fifth-rounder, son of Dallas auxiliary coach-and-four John Stevens) as part of the package.

Klim Kostin procreated his NHL debut this season after making a strong impression at Blues’ training camp.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Columnist)

The Devils would be remiss not to inquire about a handful of younger roster actors in forwards Robert Thomas( 2017 first-rounder, 20 th overall), Ivan Barbashev( 2014 second-rounder, 33 rd overall ), Oskar Sundqvist( 2012 third-rounder, 81 st overall ), and late-blooming Sammy Blais( 2014 sixth-rounder ), as well as defenceman Vince Dunn( 2015 second-rounder, 56 th overall ), who will has become a curtailed free agent due for a big raise following this season. But the Blues will appraise all of those participates for another playoff extend, so it is unlikely that they would be available. St. Louis would rather trade futures, including their first-round picks in 2020 and/ or 2021.

Florida Panthers

If it’s goaltending that the Devils are determined to upgrade, then the Panthers factor into the top five suitors for Hall, with Spencer Knight( 2019 first-rounder, 13 th overall) as the key section in return.

Knight is an elite goaltending promise and likewise playing with Jack Hughes last-place season. The Panthers are paying Sergei Bobrovsky a whopping $10 million for six more times, so Knight could be saw expendable to land another top forward after missing out on Artemi Panarin in free bureau. Hall would be a delightful relief medal a year later and could prosper under Joel Quenneville, alongside Aleksander Barkov or Vincent Trocheck. Florida could afford Hall but would have some decisions to meet with both Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov also being pending unrestricted free agents following this season. Defenceman Mark Pysyk, at $2.73 million on an expiring contract but something of an analytics darling in years past, would likely be the stipend dump to make room for Hall.

USA goaltender Spencer Knight Spencer Knight would solve New Jersey’s goaltending woes, potentially as early as next season.( THE CANADIAN PRESS/ HO- USA Hockey, Rena Laverty)

Knight is the obvious target from Florida, but the Panthers have 10 other prospects of significance in forwards Grigori Denisenko( 2018 first-rounder, 15 th overall ), Owen Tippett( 2017 first-rounder, 10 th overall ), Henrik Borgstrom( 2016 first-rounder, 23 rd overall ), Aleksi Heponiemi( 2017 second-rounder, 40 th overall ), Serron Noel( 2018 second-rounder, 34 th overall ), Logan Hutsko( 2018 third-rounder, 89 th overall) and Owen Lindmark( 2019 fifth-rounder transcending apprehensions in college ); plus defencemen Max Gildon( 2017 third-rounder, 66 th overall ), Vladislav Kolyachonok( 2019 second-rounder, 52 nd overall) and NHL-ready Riley Stillman( 2016 fourth-rounder ). And first-round picks are always welcome, with both 2020 and 2021 potentially being available from Florida.

The Panthers could put together some seducing boxes, but the Devils would likely demand Knight be involved — and rightfully so.

New York Islanders

The Islanders are another team that missed out on Panarin and Lou Lamoriello would apparently like to make a splash ahead of the swap deadline to reward Barry Trotz for once again coming the most out of a mediocre roster.

In going to the Islanders, Hall would be reunited with close friend and onetime Edmonton linemate Jordan Eberle. Hall would also be more of a go-to person with the Islanders than with most of the other crews on such lists. He would probably get to play with Matt Barzal and Eberle on the top path, bumping Anders Lee and Anthony Beauvillier down the profundity show on left wing to make for a more balanced lineup. Hall’s addition could require the Islanders with three legitimate scoring lines.

The Devils would almost certainly want one of the Islanders’ top three promises in valuing forward Oliver Wahlstrom( 2018 first-rounder, 11 th overall ), right-handed defenceman Noah Dobson( 2018 first-rounder, 12 th overall ), or standout Russian goaltender Ilya Sorokin( 2014 third-rounder, 78 th overall ). Wahlstrom was Hughes’ wingman two seasons ago — its first year before Caufield — so he could be the initial question, but Dobson and Sorokin would also fill needs. A future explanation pairing of Dobson and fellow 2018 first-rounder Ty Smith( 17 th overall) would be the envy of many and could be Canada’s top pairing at this year’s World Juniors, while Sorokin is sure looking like a future starter with idol potential.

Oliver Wahlstrom Islanders Oliver Wahlstrom has already been to orchestrate his first NHL goal through nine games this season, but the goals will surely come — especially if he’s reunited with Jack Hughes in New Jersey.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Writer)

The Islanders probably have to put one of those three on the table to have a hope of landing Hall — and they need Hall as badly as anybody. But if Hall isn’t committing beyond this season — at least not prior to the busines — that is a risky proposition. He may not consider re-signing without some playoff success — prevailing at least one round, which he hasn’t experienced in his career to date — but it would be a short proceed distance-wise and he’s already very well known the region, so maybe Hall would take a liking to the Islanders.

The Devils would probably is ready to can be taken pending free operator Matt Martin ($ 2.5 million) and buyout applicant Thomas Hickey( two more years at $1.425 and $1.375) as wage drops to shut the batch for one of those marquee potentials. Heck, they might even make Andrew Ladd, who still has three more years previously at $4.425 million next season, then $4.375 and finally $5.125. Ladd does have a no-trade clause through this season and could exert it to block that self-evident buyout, but the same fate towers with the Islanders.

New Jersey may also countenanced reclamation jobs Michael Dal Colle( 2014 first-rounder, fifth overall) and Josh Ho-Sang( 2014 first-rounder, 28th overall ), but they don’t have any meaningful importance in the present and would be considered throw-ins.

Josh Ho-Sang - Islanders Josh Ho-Sang is still sitting on the sidelines waiting for a swap from the Islanders.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Columnist)

Could the Islanders applied a carton together for Hall without those top three potentials? Sure, but the chances of that package being very best offer are probably slim. That said, the other prospects of note include champions Bode Wilde( 2018 second-rounder, 41 st overall ), Samuel Bolduc( 2019 second-rounder, 57 th overall ), Robin Salo( 2017 second-rounder, 46 th overall ), NHL-ready Sebastian Aho( 2017 fifth-rounder ), Parker Wotherspoon( 2015 fourth-rounder), David Quenneville( 2016 seventh-rounder ), and injured Mitch Vande Sompel( 2015 third-rounder, 82 nd overall ); goalies Linus Soderstrom( 2014 fourth-rounder, 95 th overall) and Jakub Skarek( 2018 third-rounder, 72 nd overall); and forwards Simon Holmstrom( 2019 first-rounder, 23 rd overall ), Kieffer Bellows( 2016 first-rounder, 19 th overall ), Ruslan Iskhakov( 2018 second-rounder, 43 rd overall ), Anatoly Golyshev( 2016 fourth-rounder, 95 th overall), and Otto Koivula( 2016 fourth-rounder, 120 th overall ).

The Islanders also have all their draft selects for the next three years, in particular the coveted 2020 and 2021 first-rounders. They should be buyers, but the cost for Hall might be deemed too steep.

Boston Bruins

Don Sweeney and the Bruins adore their rental forwards despite mingled upshots over the last five years: Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson in 2019, Rick Nash in 2018, Drew Stafford in 2017, Lee Stempniak in 2016, and Brett Connolly in 2015. Hall would instant become very best of that bunch, uttering Boston that much deeper and more dangerous with Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk once on left wing.

Problem is, the Bruins’ prospects aren’t nearly as sexy as those other units. That doesn’t mean they aren’t promising in their own, but they aren’t as highly regarded around the league by comparison. So that puts Boston at a detriment, compelling any container to include the 2020 first-round pick and perhaps the 2021 first-rounder too.

Beyond that, Boston would be offering up the likes of defencemen Urho Vaakanainen( 2017 first-rounder, 18 th overall ), Jeremy Lauzon( 2015 second-rounder, 52 nd overall ), Jakub Zboril( 2015 first-rounder, 13 th overall ), and Axel Andersson( 2018 second-rounder, 57 th overall ); forwards John Beecher( 2019 first-rounder, 30 th overall ), Jack Studnicka( 2017 second-rounder, 53 rd overall ), Oskar Steen( 2016 sixth-rounder ), and Jakub Lauko( 2018 third-rounder, 77 th overall ); and goaltenders Daniel Vladar( 2015 third-rounder, 75 th overall) and Jeremy Swayman( 2017 fourth-rounder, 111 th overall ). Nothing special there, but still fairly excellence to get New Jersey’s scrutiny.

Urho Vaakanainen is a respectable apology expectation, but the Monsters won’t be wooed or wowed by him.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Scribe)

From that schedule, Vaakanainen has been an AHL standout lately, Beecher is another former teammate of Jack Hughes, Studnicka is a strong two-way centre though that isn’t a need for New Jersey, Steen could remind the Devils’ brass of Jesper Bratt( another sixth-rounder from Sweden ), Lauko seems to have a high ceiling, and Vladar is close to NHL ready but may not be better than what the Devils previously have in Mackenzie Blackwood.

It is tough to see Boston emerging as the earn bidder, but it’s easy to envision the Bruins making a push for Hall based on their history at the deadline. The treat becomes more difficult if the Ogre have to take back buyout applicant David Backes ($ 6 million through next season ), and New Jersey wouldn’t have much interest in fellow forwards Anders Bjork( 2014 fifth-rounder, $925,000 pending RFA ), Karson Kuhlman( college free-agent ratify, $750,000 pending RFA ), Zach Senyshyn( 2015 first-rounder, 15 th overall ), Trent Frederic( 2016 first-rounder, 29 th overall ), Ryan Fitzgerald( 2013 fourth-rounder, Tom’s other son ), and Pavel Shen( 2018 seventh-rounder ), nor the rights to Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson( 2015 second-rounder, 45 th overall) and Alexander Khokhlachev( 2011 second-rounder, 40 th overall ).

Calgary Flames

This is technically Hall’s hometown team — he was born and raised in Calgary before his family moved to Ontario when he was 13 — and he rightfully enjoyed his time in Alberta while starring for Edmonton over six losing seasons.

Could there be a Battle of Alberta to introduce Hall back to that province? Perhaps, with hypothesi and anticipation that both the Flames and Oilers will haunt him, but they seem like long-shots and shouldn’t be considered favourites.

Calgary could entertain a hockey market for defenceman T.J. Brodie ($ 4.65 million pending UFA ), adding in a future asset or two if need be, but that would fill one defect while creating another. Calgary would need to send salary back to New Jersey, with fellow supporter Travis Hamonic ($ 3.857 million pending UFA) and forwards Michael Frolik ($ 4.3 million pending UFA) and Mark Jankowski ($ 1.675 million pending RFA) being the likeliest applicants. Andrew Mangiapane ($ 715,000 pending RFA) could become a throw-in, arising as a result of his difficult mediation this past offseason. With that much money coming off the books from expiring contracts — more than $12 million between Brodie, Hamonic and Frolik — Calgary could render Hall going forward, potentially drawing him more than a rental.

As for who the Devils would want from the Flames, Juuso Valimaki (2017 first-rounder, 16 th overall) and Rasmus Andersson( 2015 second-rounder, 53rd overall) would be topping that register as top-four defencemen, but Valimaki’s recovery from knee surgery is concerning and Calgary remains very high on Andersson as a keeper through the Seattle expansion draft. The Flames would counter with Oliver Kylington( 2015 second-rounder, 60 th overall) as their defenceman of preference and wouldn’t hesitate to include their 2020 first-rounder (not gamble protected) and perhaps their 2021 first-rounder( provisional on Hall re-signing).

Oliver Kylington Calgary Flames Oliver Kylington’s future in Calgary could be on thin ice leading up to the trade deadline.( Amy Irvin/ The Hockey Columnist)

Besides Valimaki, who would have been an NHL regular this season had he been healthful, the Flames don’t have much in the way of defence prospects. And their goaltending prospects aren’t as most touted because they are in their draft times — especially Jon Gillies( 2012 third-rounder, 75 th overall) and Tyler Parsons( 2016 second-rounder, 54 th overall ), neither of whom have a ton of value in the present. Dustin Wolf( 2019 seventh-rounder) is a good pot to outshine his sketch posture, but he is a few years away and New Jersey need to see a goalie now — or sooner than later.

Calgary is lacking in defence promises but has an abundance of forward prospects to consider, including batch of plotting talents made outside the three best rounds: Dmitry Zavgorodny( 2018 seventh-rounder, big-time riser in redraft ), Mathias Emilio Pettersen( 2018 sixth-rounder ), Adam Ruzicka (2017 fourth-rounder, 109 th overall ), Martin Pospisil( 2018 fourth-rounder, 105th overall ), Demetrios Koumontzis( 2018 fourth-rounder, 108 th overall ), Josh Nodler( 2019 fifth-rounder ), Lukas Feuk( 2019 fourth-rounder, 116 th overall ), Eetu Tuulola( 2016 sixth-rounder ), and Milos Roman( 2018 fourth-rounder, 122 nd overall). New Jersey could take a couple of them off Calgary’s handwritings if the Devils so desired, with Ilya Nikolayev( 2019 third-rounder, 88 th overall) as another option.

The Devils might also inquire about forwards Sam Bennett( 2014 first-rounder, fourth overall ), Dillon Dube( 2016 second-rounder, 56 th overall ), and Jakob Pelletier( 2019 first-rounder, 26 th overall) during the course of its Hall discussions. Bennett could be available, but Dube is a neighbourhood son for Calgary and the Flames won’t want to part with Pelletier either.

Edmonton Oilers

Last but not least, there are rumblings of a possible reunion between Hall and the Oiler. The insiders are indicating Hall would welcome a return to Edmonton and that there is mutual interest.

Taylor Hall has always spoke highly of his time in Edmonton, even since being traded away in 2016.( THW File Photo)

Hall remains good friends with Connor McDavid — they improve together in the offseasons in Toronto — amongst other onetime teammates that still call the Alberta capital home, such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Darnell Nurse. Remember, Hall made it clear in the media that he didn’t “ve left” Edmonton — that he wanted to stay and be part of the solution there — and although he was upset about the swap to New Jersey at the time, there are no lingering hard feelings towards the Oilers’ organisation now that Peter Chiarelli is no longer in charge. So don’t rule in this possibility.

The Oilers can open Hall as a rental , no problem — that can be accomplished by shipping Sam Gagner ($ 3.15 million) and Brandon Manning ($ 2.25 million) to New Jersey as salary dumps on expiring contracts — but spreading Hall would be difficult to do with Nurse and Nugent-Hopkins likewise needing brand-new contracts in the near future and even Ethan Bear playing his direction into a reasonable payday for next season.

If Edmonton wants to retain those three, amongst other like Adam Larsson, there wouldn’t be enough money left for Hall unless the ceiling ceiling rises significantly or he’s willing to take a “hometown” discount with an average annual price closer to Leon Draisaitl’s $ 8.5 million than Connor McDavid’s $12.5 million. Realistically, Hall’s wage would have to come in under $10 million to re-sign in Edmonton — and that might be quixotic located on the free-agent market.

In a rental situation, the Oilers could include their 2020 first-round pick with conditions held to their playoff develops. That has now become a popular trend with rentals, to trade a second-round pick that was becoming first-rounder by winning one or more rounds. Edmonton could also tentatively include their 2021 first-round pick on the condition of re-signing Hall. Those two picks probably have to be in play for New Jersey to consider casting Hall back to Edmonton.

Beyond that, Ken Holland won’t sell the farm for Hall — certainly not as a rental. If their chances of re-signing Hall is skinny to none, the Devils won’t be coming blue-chip defence promises Evan Bouchard( 2018 first-rounder, 10 th overall) and Philip Broberg( 2019 first-rounder, eighth overall ). Neither of them will be made available by Edmonton.

The Oilers do have other apology alternatives, including Caleb Jones( 2015 fourth-rounder, 117 th overall) and William Lagesson( 2014 fourth-rounder, 91 st overall ), who are essentially NHL ready and will be needed waivers next season. One or both of them could be part of the parcel and step right into New Jersey’s lineup. As could Matt Benning ($ 1.9 million, pending RFA) from the NHL roster if New Jersey preferred a blueliner with more ordeal and neat underlying numbers.

Caleb Jones Oilers Caleb Jones could be among the defencemen dangled by Edmonton.( Photo Credit: Connor Mah/ Flickr)

Edmonton has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to defence prospects right now, with Dmitri Samorukov( 2017 third-rounder, 84 th overall ), Filip Berglund( 2016 third-rounder, 91 st overall ), Markus Niemelainen( 2016 third-rounder, 63 rd overall ), Phil Kemp( 2017 seventh-rounder ), and Mike Kesselring( 2018 sixth-rounder) likewise being of potential interest. Samorukov is veering to be very best of that bunch.

As for goaltending promises, Ilya Konovalov( 2019 third-rounder, 85 th overall) and Olivier Rodrigue( 2018 second-rounder, 62 nd overall) have the highest upside, but Shane Starrett( college free agent turned AHL all-star), Stuart Skinner( 2017 third-rounder, 78 th overall ), and Dylan Wells( 2016 fifth-rounder, 123 rd overall) previously have AHL experience. Starrett is nearing NHL ready — he is likely to be 26 years old next season — but Konovalov may not be too far off either. He’ll be 22 for next season with a duo KHL campaigns on his resume. There is no consensus on Edmonton’s goalie of the future, so New Jersey have had an opportunity to their pick of that litter, though nothing of them are surefire starters — let alone idols in the making.

Edmonton will be pickier when it comes to parting with forward potentials because the Oilers need to develop some of their scoring wingers to be fertile on inexpensive entry-level contracts. That said, Jesse Puljujarvi( 2016 first-rounder, fourth overall) is obviously still available as a better quality resource wanting out of Edmonton. New Jersey could be a decent acre region for Puljujarvi, depending on the Devils’ new honcho coach.

Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi Jesse Puljujarvi wasn’t transactions or signed by Edmonton ahead of the December 1 deadline to be eligible to play in the NHL this season, but he could become a big part of New Jersey’s future.( Anne-Marie Sorvin/ USA TODAY)

Kailer Yamamoto( 2017 first-rounder, 22 nd overall ), Tyler Benson( 2016 second-rounder, 32 nd overall ), Raphael Lavoie( 2019 second-rounder, 38 th overall ), and Kirill Maksimov( 2017 fifth-rounder) are the four wingers that Edmonton will be reluctant to move. But if New Jersey insisted on one of them being involved as a dealbreaker, the Oilers may not say no. Puljujarvi would attain more sense from both sides, one would think.

The other forward prospects of potential interest are Ryan McLeod( 2018 second-rounder, 40 th overall, older brother Michael was a Devils’ first-rounder in 2016 ), Cooper Marody( 2015 sixth-rounder turned AHL standout ), Anton Slepyshev( 2013 third-rounder, 88 th overall ), and Bogdan Yakimov( 2013 third-rounder, 83 rd overall ). Edmonton still owns the rights to those latter two Russians who could resurface from the KHL in the coming years.

Daryl Katz no doubt wants to win now — especially with the Oilers resulting the Pacific Division to date — but he has given Holland full freedom to do what’s best for Edmonton in the present and the future. Overpaying for Hall as a rental probably isn’t best, but if the cost was Puljujarvi, Jones and the conditional 2020 picking — dependent on Edmonton’s playoff success or lack thereof, thus not undoubtedly a first-rounder — that would likely is worthy of it.

What do you think — which of these nine squads are most likely to land Hall? Or do you see a different dark horse stepping up to acquire him? Maybe he stays in New Jersey after all? Feel free to weigh in by leave a comment below.

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